New student-crafted beer “Red Arrow” to enter commercial production

March 13, 2017 |

On March 8, six teams of students from the Department of Food Science had their craft beers judged by a panel of industry professionals. After weeks of experimentation under Professor Jim Steele and Hans Zoerb (Campus Craft Brewery), teams brewed an American Pale Ale within a set of standards determined by Wisconsin Brewing Company. Each team recently presented a version of their beer to a panel of judges.

Dhuey (right) and Michaels designed the winning beer. Image: WMTV.

The top honor went to a team of students whose beer will now go into full-scale production at Wisconsin Brewing. The winning formula was brewed by Team #1, comprised of food science student Elliot Dhuey and chemical engineering student Graham Michaels. They will be joined by all of the students to take part in the launch of full-scale production on Wednesday, March 15.

The program, which is in its third year, is the result of a landmark collaboration between UW-Madison and Wisconsin Brewing Company. The endeavor gives students, ages 21 and up, the opportunity to craft a recipe, source ingredients, consult with experts, create a beer and have it judged. The class culminates with all the students taking part in full-scale commercial brewing of the winning beer at Wisconsin Brewing.

Students from the UW-Madison School of Journalism also participated in the creation of the beer’s branding. Red Arrow, the name of this year’s beer, honors the 100th anniversary of WWI and the 32nd Division. The 32nd Division, which is comprised of Wisconsin National Guard volunteers, earned the name Red Arrow from their ability to consistently and successfully pierce enemy lines.

“This is our third year working with Campus Craft Brewing and we couldn’t be prouder of this landmark partnership,” said Wisconsin Brewing President and CEO, Carl Nolen. All students involved have been given the unique opportunity to see a product’s journey from concept to commercialization in a real world setting. “The collaboration has exceeded our goals of inspiring a new generation in the Wisconsin tradition of brewing excellence,” Nolen added.

Red Arrow American Pale Ale will be released April 28, 2017 at the Sett in Union South and distribution across Wisconsin will follow.